closure

Amnesia Brewing Officially Closing Down

Unsurprising, but still unfortunate news today that Amnesia Brewing will officially be closing on December 1st, 2017. You might remember that The New School first reported Amnesia Brewing was for sale and dealing with hard times, only to have ownershsip and management deny our report, even though they had listed the brewery for sale online and confirmed it to us in an email. Those were rough times for us, as many called our report a lie or untrue, even as others told us they had discussed the sale with owner Kevin King. While this news vindicates our report, we take no pleasure in another brewery closure. I still miss Amnesia Brewing’s location on N Mississippi Ave in Portland and have nothing against the brewery or its beers. We wish them luck in the future. The following is the public announcement about the closure.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Nov 9th, 2017
To all our friends and followers…
Amnesia Brewing, in Washougal WA is announcing the closure of its Production Brewery, and operation of our Brewpub effective December 1, 2017. Since getting our start in 2003 on Mississippi St. in Portland, OR, Amnesia has been producing excellent craft beers that have been enjoyed across Oregon and Washington. Kevin King, owner and head brewer, is widely regarded as one of the best brewers in SW Washington, and throughout the Portland metro area, for over 20 years.

Moving to Washougal WA in 2013, Amnesia expanded its brewing capacity with a new production 15 bbl brew system, with 30 bbl fermenters and brite tanks. The hope was to increase distribution of both draft and packaged beer, while providing Washougal/Camas residents with their first craft Brewpub. A dedicated following grew quickly due to the hard work of Kevin, Guy Nunez, General Manager, and Sean Thommen, Master Brewer, as well as the entire pub staff. According to Guy, “Unfortunately, with breweries and taprooms opening up seemingly every month, the market has become somewhat saturated. On the one hand, the good news is that there are more beers to choose from, on the other, profit margins have slipped making it extremely tough financially without investor money, and that has never been our model. Nonetheless, I’m very satisfied that we initiated the Washougal/Camas area as a craft beer destination.” Since Amnesia opened, the area now is home to three other breweries, with a fourth set to open in early 2018. Said owner Kevin King, “I’m proud that Amnesia lasted for almost 15 years. My wife Kristina and I opened with just the money in our wallets. I brewed beers that developed a long term following, like our Copacetic IPA, and Sean created some amazing seasonal beers. As for my future, I’ve been brewing for over 25 years. I plan to keep brewing, just someone else’s beers, and hopefully lend my expertise to assisting in the creation or refining of the recipes. I have a lot of experience that would benefit the right situation.”

As for the future of the establishment, there is great news! Alex’s BBQ which partnered with Amnesia in 2014, will remain on location, serving up the delicious BBQ and array of other dishes customers have enjoyed for over three years now. Alex, along with his wife Carolina, will also take over operations of the pub, continuing to pour Amnesia’s beers while inventory lasts, as well integrating additional craft beers that are hard to find in Washougal. Said Kevin, “We just finished brewing our Winter Ale – Frosty’s Revenge, and we have one last batch of Copacetic to brew for Alex”. While Kevin and Guy have decided to pursue other endeavors, the great pub staff that is recognized throughout the community will remain as part of the new entity.

Amnesia Brewing thanks all of our customers and loyal beer drinkers, from the early years on Mississippi St., to Washougal, and places far and wide for their support and patronage over 15 years. We hope that you continue to support Alex and his wife in their new endeavor. If you have the opportunity over the next couple weeks, stop by and raise a pint to Amnesia Brewing! Prost!!

Founder of The New School and most frequent contributor Ezra Johnson-Greenough has worked in the craft beer industry for almost 10 years, doing everything from illustrating beer labels to bartending at renowned beer bars and breweries like Belmont Station, Apex, Laurelwood and Upright Brewing. He has also had a hand in creating events like the Portland Fruit Beer Festival, Portland Beer Week, and the Brewing up Cocktails series. He is available for freelance consultation in marketing, events, graphic design and branding.
Contact: [email protected]

5 Comments

Jeff

November 10, 2017 at 2:30 am

“While this news vindicates our report, we take no pleasure in another brewery closure.”

Funny, the tone of your article sure suggests you take some pleasure in being “vindicated”. Don’t see the point in highlighting the little tiff you guys had before. Losing a business is devastating to those involved, have a little empathy.

As I have said since the beginning I never wished them ill. Perhaps you didnt read the part where I said it was unfortunate or that “We wish them luck in the future.” What tone are you talking about? Am I happy to be vindicated? Yes. But I take no pleasure in their failure and recognize how hard that is.

The entire preamble to your article was one big I told you so. You were talking about how hard it was for YOU. The entire piece lacked sensitivity to what Amnesia (and many others right now) are going through. But I don’t expect you to understand. After all, you’re not a brewery owner.

Do you work for the Trump administration? I briefly point out that a brewery has been lying up and down before giving then lament that it’s unfortunate and your response is to attack me for pointing out that a liar lied as if I am the bad guy. It’s a good way to distract from the actual story.

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The New School Beer aims to be the #1 source for craft beer, cider and mead industry news in the northwest. We focus on breaking stories about new breweries, new brands, openings, closings, reviews, interviews, videos and industry news and commentary from a variety of well connected contributors.